Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan: Myanmar Humanitarian Programme Cycle 2026 - Shelter-NFI-CCCM Cluster Strategy

I. Background and Context

In recent years, Myanmar has experienced escalating challenges due to a combination of political and economic instability, intensifying conflicts, natural disasters, and the erosion of human rights. In March 2025, a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar which further deteriorated the situation and forced a growing number of people to flee their homes for safety, often seeking shelter in neighboring communities or in remote locations such as jungles and forests with limited access to humanitarian assistance.

The Shelter/NFI/CCCM Cluster, led by UNHCR, comprises 5 hubs and aims to expand its network by identifying additional partners nationwide especially encouraging the local partners and Civil Society Organizations. This effort will enhance coordination and ensure a more comprehensive response to the needs of affected populations through localization approach in 2026. Coordination will be achieved through sub-national Clusters, and area-based approaches to avoid duplication of services while addressing critical gaps. Further five Technical Working Groups (TWG) are established in all regions to provide technical support to the cluster to develop the required technical guidance and technical documents.

In 2026, the Cluster aims to assist 3.4 million individuals with Shelter, NFI, and CCCM interventions. Cluster members, including organizations and entities active in these sectors, are committed to carrying out their responsibilities in alignment with Cluster goals.
The Cluster prioritizes an adaptive coordination structure at national, sub-national, and area levels to address the dynamic context and maximize efficiency. The strategy emphasizes a localization approach -- supporting local organizations and civil society groups to actively participate in Cluster mechanisms. Regular coordination meetings will be held in Yangon or virtually, and ad hoc meetings will be convened as needed facilitating with translations to encourage participation of local partners.

A Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) was established to provide strategic guidance, develop recommendations, and make critical decisions regarding the Shelter/NFI/CCCM Cluster responses. After an election process, a total of 8 partners were selected to form the SAG and support strategic alignment with the Cluster’s goals.